Celebrate all things Italian in beloved Toronto neighbourhood

What a great way to celebrate the summer this weekend – at the 53rd annual (LiUNA) CHIN International Picnic, and the Taste of Little Italy, taking place this Friday to Sunday on College St., and featuring a true celebration of music, food and Italian culture.

If you haven’t made any plans for Father’s Day, this is where to head out as the whole street, from Bathurst to Shaw, will be out in full force showing all of Canada the best of what this city has to offer.

The CHIN Picnic is part of the famous Taste of Little Italy festival (and vehicular traffic closure will be in effect) and you know you’re in for some mighty fine eating as it wouldn’t be an Italian festival without Italian food! You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy live music on multiple street corners and on the main stage, extended patios, multicultural vendors, and did we mention amazing food(!) as well as carnival rides and new this year: A learn-to-skate park where children can learn how to scooter and skateboard safely.

From restaurants and street vendors to the myriad of free tastings and samples, you won’t leave unsatisfied. Just make sure to come on an empty stomach — it’s the only way you can properly enjoy all the classics like authentic Italian pasta, wood-fired pizza, and tradition and non-traditional flavours of gelato. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you won’t be disappointed, as the festival is known for it’s diverse and multicultural food options.

There’s more of course, including a performance from Italy’s Manuela Villa, daughter of the legendary late performer Claudio Villa.

“We are excited to bring Manuela Villa to Toronto,” says Lenny Lombardi, president of CHIN Radio. “Her family is iconic in Italy, and that’s where CHIN’s roots came from. We first launched CHIN RADIO with Italian programming and we want to highlight that at this year’s picnic, celebrating Italian Heritage Month this June. Manuela’s involvement is also significant to the picnic since she performed with us back in 1991.”